Community gathers together to honor the 168 lives lost 28 years after the Oklahoma City bombing

It was an emotional day in downtown Oklahoma City as hundreds gathered to remember the 168 lives that were tragically cut short April 19, 1995.

Laura Cowan, a former federal worker who worked in the Alfred P. Murrah federal building just months before the attack, recalls the day she received the news of the bombing.

“We lost, I think it was 37 total and I knew about 35 of the people.” said an emotional Cowan as tears began to form in her eyes.

For her and many others, April 19 is a solemn day in which they observe the anniversary of the Oklahoma City Bombing.

The anniversary brings people back from all over the country as they remember and honor those that were killed in the heinous attack. Every year on the morning of, a remembrance ceremony is held with guest speakers who had a connection to the victims of the bombing.

Oklahoma government officials also spoke words of hope at the gathering.

“The world turned to Oklahoma during our darkest hour, and in our deepest mourning. We showed our strength, we showed resiliency, community, courage. We showed the world the Oklahoma standard.” said Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt.

To this day, it is still the most deadly domestic terrorism attack in United States history.

The memorial which now stands where the Alfred P. Murrah federal building once was now stands as a symbol of hope for those affected by violence and as a reminder of all the lives lost on that tragic April day in 1995.